In a nationwide effort to promote the sinicization and development of Christian sacred music, churches and theological institutions in several regions across China recently hosted a series of sacred music exchange events, featuring concerts, lectures, and seminars that integrated Chinese cultural elements with Christian worship traditions.
According to Putian Christian Council, on May 5, Putian CC&TSPM hosted a sacred music exchange event at Hanjiang Church.
The gathering began with piano solos, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "The True Meaning of Love," performed by Professor Yang Yifu, president of the Fujian Provincial Piano Association. This was followed by performances from choirs representing seven regions of the city and a review session led by various sacred music experts.
In the afternoon, a series of lectures on vocal music and worship was held. Professor Zhuang Dekun, a national first-class actor and tenor and a faculty member of the Vocal Music Department at Tan Kah Kee College, Xiamen University, delivered a lecture on vocal techniques. He emphasized that vocal music expresses emotions through pure resonance. While explaining the structure of human vocalization, he highlighted the vocal cords as the core, supported by multiple resonance chambers, including the head, chest, and nasopharyngeal cavities, forming a complex vocal system. Professor Zhuang further elaborated on the three essential elements of vocalization: breath control, vocal cord function, and resonance, and stressed the role of humming in vocal training. He identified three key aspects of vocal learning: using deep support to stabilize breath, employing high-position resonance to enhance tone quality, and practicing correct vowel pronunciation for articulation. He also shared practical insights and personal experiences in vocal training.
Following this, Chen Jinli, director of the Xiamen Sacred Music Training Center, delivered a lecture on the theme of worship. Drawing on the theological imagery from the Book of Revelation, he explored the deeper meaning of worship and used illustrative examples to guide believers in enhancing the quality of their worship practices.
According to Liaoning CC&TSPM, on April 26, the "Sinicization of Sacred Music Exchange Seminar" was held at Panshi Church, under the joint organization of the Northeast Theological Seminary and the Hymn Choir of the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China (HKCCC). The event brought together 36 choir members led by Rev. Wong Ka-fai, head of the HKCCC's Hymn Choir, along with the full faculty and students of the seminary.
During the seminar, Rev. So Shing Yit Eric of the HKCCC Hymn Choir delivered a lecture titled "Exploring the Sinicization of Sacred Music through the Chinese-Style Hymnal Hymns of Universal Praise (1936) and the Contributions of Mr. Yang Yinliu," offering an in-depth analysis of the historical background and cultural significance of Chinese-style hymns. Rev. Jia Lanfen and Rev. Leung Yuen-yiu offered responses from different perspectives. Rev. Chen Xiangyang examined hymn theology in worship ministry, using examples from the Chinese New Hymns and Supplementary Edition. Further reflections from Rev. Chan Chi-hang and Teacher Guan Bo provided fresh insights into the future development and practice of sacred music in China.
In the afternoon, the HKCCC Hymn Choir, the Northeast Theological Seminary Choir, and two church choirs from Shenyang jointly presented a sacred music concert.
According to the organizer, on April 25, Linyi CC&TSPM in Shandong Province held a concert on the sinicization of sacred music at Zhongxin Church, with over 600 attendees.
The concert featured joint performances by a 100-member choir and the folk music orchestra from the municipal CC&TSPM. Showcasing original sacred compositions by patriotic Christians, the program blended traditional Chinese culture and regional characteristics of Yimeng, offering an innovative interpretation of Christian sacred music through elements of national music.
